101
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Guo Z, Cui G, Zhang M, Li X. Analysis of the contribution to conservation and effectiveness of the wetland reserve network in China based on wildlife diversity. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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102
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Bacon E, Gannon P, Stephen S, Seyoum-Edjigu E, Schmidt M, Lang B, Sandwith T, Xin J, Arora S, Adham KN, Espinoza AJR, Qwathekana M, Prates APL, Shestakov A, Cooper D, Ervin J, Dias BFDS, Leles B, Attallah M, Mulongoy J, Gidda SB. Aichi Biodiversity Target 11 in the like-minded megadiverse countries. J Nat Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2019.125723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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103
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Leopard Density Estimation within an Enclosed Reserve, Namibia Using Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture Models. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9100724. [PMID: 31557967 PMCID: PMC6826368 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Due to continuous levels of human–wildlife conflict, habitat loss and fragmentation, the establishment of protected and enclosed reserves constitute a solid foundation for the long-term survival of threatened species. Because species living in enclosed systems often behave differently compared to their free-roaming counterparts, research is forming an important and essential tool to understand their ecology and behavior. For a population to be sustainable in a closed, fenced system, effective conservation and management strategies need to be developed on the basis of robust population estimates. We found that the study area, a protected nature reserve, is harbouring the highest leopard density in Namibia to date, highlighting that small, enclosed reserves can play a vital role for the survival of threatened species in the future. Abstract The establishment of enclosed conservation areas are claimed to be the driving force for the long-term survival of wildlife populations. Whilst fencing provides an important tool in conservation, it simultaneously represents a controversial matter as it stops natural migration processes, which could ultimately lead to inbreeding, a decline in genetic diversity and local extinction if not managed correctly. Thus, wildlife residing in enclosed reserves requires effective conservation and management strategies, which are strongly reliant on robust population estimates. Here, we used camera traps combined with the relatively new class of spatially explicit capture-recaptured models (SECR) to produce the first reliable leopard population estimate for an enclosed reserve in Namibia. Leopard density was estimated at 14.51 leopards/100 km2, the highest recorded density in Namibia to date. A combination of high prey abundance, the absence of human persecution and a lack of top-down control are believed to be the main drivers of the recorded high leopard population. Our results add to the growing body of literature which suggests enclosed reserves have the potential to harbour high densities and highlight the importance of such reserves for the survival of threatened species in the future.
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104
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Abade L, Cusack J, Moll RJ, Strampelli P, Dickman AJ, Macdonald DW, Montgomery RA. The relative effects of prey availability, anthropogenic pressure and environmental variables on lion (
Panthera leo
) site use in Tanzania's Ruaha landscape during the dry season. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Abade
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre University of Oxford Abingdon UK
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey Laboratory Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | | | - R. J. Moll
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey Laboratory Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
| | - P. Strampelli
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre University of Oxford Abingdon UK
| | - A. J. Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre University of Oxford Abingdon UK
| | - D. W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre University of Oxford Abingdon UK
| | - R. A. Montgomery
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit Department of Zoology The Recanati‐Kaplan Centre University of Oxford Abingdon UK
- Research on the Ecology of Carnivores and their Prey Laboratory Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing MI USA
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105
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Vázquez-Reyes CJ, Martínez-Gutiérrez G, Mora-Olivo A, Correa-Sandoval A, Horta-Vega JV, Arriaga-Flores JC, Venegas-Barrera CS. Biodiversity risk from land-cover change in terrestrial priority regions and protected natural areas in northeastern Mexico. REV MEX BIODIVERS 2019. [DOI: 10.22201/ib.20078706e.2019.90.2726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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106
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Le Roux JJ, Hui C, Castillo ML, Iriondo JM, Keet JH, Khapugin AA, Médail F, Rejmánek M, Theron G, Yannelli FA, Hirsch H. Recent Anthropogenic Plant Extinctions Differ in Biodiversity Hotspots and Coldspots. Curr Biol 2019; 29:2912-2918.e2. [PMID: 31447372 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2019.07.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During the Anthropocene, humans are changing the Earth system in ways that will be detectable for millennia to come [1]. Biologically, these changes include habitat destruction, biotic homogenization, increased species invasions, and accelerated extinctions [2]. Contemporary extinction rates far surpass background rates [3], but they seem remarkably low in plants [4, 5]. However, biodiversity is not evenly distributed, and as a result, extinction rates may vary among regions. Some authors have contentiously argued that novel anthropic habitats and human-induced plant speciation can actually increase regional biodiversity [6, 7]. Here, we report on one of the most comprehensive datasets to date, including regional and global plant extinctions in both biodiversity hotspots (mostly from Mediterranean-type climate regions) and coldspots (mostly from Eurasian countries). Our data come from regions covering 15.3% of the Earth's surface and span over 300 years. With this dataset, we explore the trends, causes, and temporal dynamics of recent plant extinctions. We found more, and faster accrual of, absolute numbers of extinction events in biodiversity hotspots compared to coldspots. Extinction rates were also substantially higher than historical background rates, but recent declines are evident. We found higher levels of taxonomic uniqueness being lost in biodiversity coldspots compared to hotspots. Causes of plant extinctions also showed distinct temporal patterns, with agriculture, invasions, and urbanization being significant drivers in hotspots, while hydrological disturbance was an important driver in coldspots. Overall, plant extinctions over the last three centuries appear to be low, with a recent (post-1990) and steady extinction rate of 1.26 extinctions/year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes J Le Roux
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Cang Hui
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; Theoretical Ecology Group, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa; African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town 7945, South Africa
| | - Maria L Castillo
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - José M Iriondo
- Biodiversity and Conservation Area, Rey Juan Carlos University, Móstoles 28933, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan-Hendrik Keet
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Anatoliy A Khapugin
- Joint Directorate of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny," 430011, Republic of Mordovia, Saransk, Dachnyi Lane 4, Russia; Tyumen State University, 625023, Tyumen, Bolshevistskaya Street 6, Russia
| | - Frédéric Médail
- Aix Marseille Univ, Avignon Univ, CNRS, IRD, IMBE. Technopôle de l'Arbois-Méditerranée, BP 80, 13 545 Aix-en-Provence Cedex 4, France
| | - Marcel Rejmánek
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Genevieve Theron
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Florencia A Yannelli
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Heidi Hirsch
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
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107
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Identifying Shared Strategies and Solutions to the Human–Giant Tortoise Interactions in Santa Cruz, Galapagos: A Nominal Group Technique Application. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11102937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Conservation conflicts in protected areas are varied and context-specific, but the resulting effects are often similar, leading to important losses for both humans and wildlife. Several methods and approaches have been used to mitigate conservation conflicts, with an increasing emphasis on understanding the human–human dimension of the conflict. In this article, we present a revision of several conservation conflict cases in the management of protected areas, transdisciplinary and participatory approaches to address conservation conflicts, and finalize by illustrating the application of the nominal group technique (NGT) with the case of the human–giant tortoise interactions in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos. In this article, we demonstrate the use of novel and systematic participatory and deliberative methodology that is able to engage stakeholders in a constructive dialogue to jointly identify and explore options for shared strategies and solutions to conservation conflicts. The results are comparable with other conservation conflicts cases around the world and illustrate the importance of generating legitimatized information that will further help policy and decision-making actions to address conservation conflicts in the management of protected areas.
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108
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Edwards S, Noack J, Heyns L, Rodenwoldt D. Evidence of a high-density brown hyena population within an enclosed reserve: the role of fenced systems in conservation. MAMMAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-019-00432-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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109
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110
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Accounting for rhinos – the case of South African National Parks (SANParks). SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/srj-10-2017-0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Biodiversity is required to sustain life on earth, but the rampant growth in the illegal wildlife trade has created a global conservation challenge, where the African continent is one of the primary casualties. This paper aims to explore how South African National Parks (SANParks) (as the custodian of the largest population of rhinos in the wild) accounts to its stakeholders about how it has discharged its biodiversity mandate relating to rhino preservation.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper seeks to determine whether the increase in rhino-poaching over the period from 2006 to 2015 is reflected by a concomitant increase in related disclosures in SANParks’ annual reports. It adopts a mixed-methods research approach using both descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as a qualitative analysis of pertinent narrative disclosures describing how SANParks accounts to its stakeholders on the discharge of the rhino-related component of its biodiversity mandate.
Findings
The study finds that SANParks uses its publicly available annual reports to disclose how it has discharged the rhino-related component of its biodiversity mandate. In this regard, it identified a strong positive correlation between incidents of rhino-poaching and annual report disclosures in the period up to 2010. Initially, SANParks disclosed its rhino-poaching-related performance through impression management to bolster its legitimacy, but later focused its reporting on its rhino conservation efforts.
Originality/value
Although the subject of rhino-poaching has been extensively researched, this one of the first papers to explore the phenomenon from a governance and accountability perspective of a state-owned entity (\ SANParks) under the mantle of extinction accounting.
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111
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Prioritizing Spatially Aggregated Cost-Effective Sites in Natural Reserves to Mitigate Human-Induced Threats: A Case Study of the Qinghai Plateau, China. SUSTAINABILITY 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/su11051346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities often lead to the degradation of valuable natural habitats. Many efforts have been taken to counteract this degradation process, including the mitigation of human-induced stressors. However, knowing-doing gaps exist in stakeholder’s decision-making of prioritizing sites to allocate limited resources in these mitigation activities in both spatially aggregated and cost-effective manner. In this study, we present a spatially explicit prioritization framework that integrates basic cost effectiveness analysis (CEA) and spatial clustering statistics. The advantages of the proposed framework lie in its straightforward logic and ease of implementation to assist stakeholders in the identification of threat mitigation actions that are both spatially clumped and cost-effective using innovative prioritization indicators. We compared the utility of three local autocorrelation-based clustering statistics, including local Moran’s I, Getis-Ord Gi*, and AMOEBA, in quantifying the spatial aggregation of identified sites under given budgets. It is our finding that the CEA method produced threat mitigation sites that are more cost-effective but are dispersed in space. Spatial clustering statistics could help identify spatially aggregated management sites with only minor loss in cost effectiveness. We concluded that integrating basic CEA with spatial clustering statistics provides stakeholders with straightforward and reliable information in prioritizing spatially clustered cost-effective actions for habitat threat mitigation.
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112
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Walsh A, Sullivan C, Waldren S, Finn J. Development of a scoring method to identify important areas of plant diversity in Ireland. J Nat Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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113
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Velazco SJE, Villalobos F, Galvão F, De Marco Júnior P. A dark scenario for Cerrado plant species: Effects of future climate, land use and protected areas ineffectiveness. DIVERS DISTRIB 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Santiago José Elías Velazco
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical Universidad Nacional de Misiones‐CONICET Puerto Iguazú, Misiones Argentina
- Laboratório de Ecologia Florestal, Departamento de Ciências Agrarias Universidade Federal do Paraná Curitiba, Paraná Brazil
| | - Fabricio Villalobos
- Laboratorio de Macroecología Evolutiva, Red de Biología EvolutivaInstituto de Ecología Xalapa, Veracruz México
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Ciências BiológicasUniversidade Federal de Goiás Goiânia Brazil
| | - Franklin Galvão
- Laboratório de Ecologia Florestal, Departamento de Ciências Agrarias Universidade Federal do Paraná Curitiba, Paraná Brazil
| | - Paulo De Marco Júnior
- Laboratório de Teoria, Metacomunidades e Ecologia de PaisagensDepartamento de EcologiaICB, Universidade Federal de Goiás Goiânia Brazil
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114
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Biodiversity Research Trends and Gaps from the Confluence of Three Global Biodiversity Hotspots in the Far-Eastern Himalaya. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1155/2019/1323419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The Far-Eastern Himalaya Landscape (FHL), a shared transboundary landscape between China, India, and Myanmar, is one of the most intact and biologically rich landscapes in the Eastern Himalaya. Yet, the state of biodiversity and its significance are comparatively poorly known to conservationists and policy makers due to low priority in research, inaccessibility, and remoteness. We collated and reviewed 1032 articles relating to biodiversity of the FHL to understand research trends, identify knowledge gaps, and suggest priority research areas for future biodiversity conservation and management in the landscape. Our review showed that the Myanmar part of the landscape is the most studied, followed by the Indian and Chinese parts. The trend of publications in the landscape showed that the earliest publication on biodiversity in the FHL dates back to 1833, while the years from 2001 to 2017 account for almost 80% of the total publications. Most studies focused on species (73.6%), followed by ecosystems (25%) and genetics (1.4%). Mammals were the most studied taxa (22.6%), with a greater focus on charismatic megafauna, followed by arthropods (15.6%), angiosperms (14.8%), insects (13.4%), and birds (10.8%). There were very few publications on lower invertebrates and lower kingdoms, Monera, Protista, Fungi, and Viruses. At the ecosystem level, most studies focused on forests (58.5%) followed by freshwater (32%), agroecosystems (9%), and alpine/tundra ecosystem (0.5%); there were only 14 studies at genetic level. In the FHL, new species have been discovered and rediscovered starting from the early 1930s until 2017. The majority of newly discovered species in the last 18 years are arthropods. The paper reviews past research areas, identifies gaps for future research and intervention, and recommends transboundary collaboration to address these gaps for conservation and sustainable development of the FHL landscape.
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115
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Turton SM. Reef‐to‐ridge ecological perspectives of high‐energy storm events in northeast Australia. Ecosphere 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M. Turton
- Division of Higher Education Central Queensland University Cairns Queensland 4870 Australia
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116
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Cardoso PH, Cabral A, Santos-Silva F, Salimena FRG. Verbenaceae no Parque Estadual da Serra do Papagaio, Minas Gerais, Brasil. RODRIGUÉSIA 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/2175-7860201970056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Resumo O Parque Estadual da Serra do Papagaio está localizado no sul de Minas Gerais, e faz parte do Complexo da Serra da Mantiqueira, com vegetação representada por campos de altitude, floresta ombrófila densa e floresta ombrófila mista. O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar um tratamento florístico para Verbenaceae nesta Unidade de Conservação. A família está representada no Parque por dez táxons distribuídos em quatro gêneros: Glandularia (G. lobata var. glabrata e G. phlogiflora), Lantana (L. camara e L. fucata), Lippia (L. lupulina, L. rotundifolia, L. stachyoides var. martiana e L. triplinervis) e Verbena (V. alata e V. hirta). Verbena alata destaca-se como nova ocorrência para o estado de Minas Gerais. Lippia rotundifolia e L. stachyoides var. martiana, comuns na Cadeia do Espinhaço, são registradas pela primeira vez na Serra da Mantiqueira, no domínio Atlântico. São apresentadas chaves de identificação, descrições, ilustrações e comentários ecológicos, taxonômicos e de distribuição geográfica dos táxons.
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117
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Changes in Human Population Density and Protected Areas in Terrestrial Global Biodiversity Hotspots, 1995–2015. LAND 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/land7040136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Biodiversity hotspots are rich in endemic species and threatened by anthropogenic influences and, thus, considered priorities for conservation. In this study, conservation achievements in 36 global biodiversity hotspots (25 identified in 1988, 10 added in 2011, and one in 2016) were evaluated in relation to changes in human population density and protected area coverage between 1995 and 2015. Population densities were compared against 1995 global averages, and percentages of protected area coverage were compared against area-based targets outlined in Aichi target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (17% by 2020) and calls for half Earth (50%). The two factors (average population density and percent protected area coverage) for each hotspot were then plotted to evaluate relative levels of threat to biodiversity conservation. Average population densities in biodiversity hotspots increased by 36% over the 20-year period, and were double the global average. The protected area target of 17% is achieved in 19 of the 36 hotspots; the 17 hotspots where this target has not been met are economically disadvantaged areas as defined by Gross Domestic Product. In 2015, there are seven fewer hotspots (22 in 1995; 15 in 2015) in the highest threat category (i.e., population density exceeding global average, and protected area coverage less than 17%). In the lowest threat category (i.e., population density below the global average, and a protected area coverage of 17% or more), there are two additional hotspots in 2015 as compared to 1995, attributable to gains in protected area. Only two hotspots achieve a target of 50% protection. Although conservation progress has been made in most global biodiversity hotspots, additional efforts are needed to slow and/or reduce population density and achieve protected area targets. Such conservation efforts are likely to require more coordinated and collaborative initiatives, attention to biodiversity objectives beyond protected areas, and support from the global community.
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118
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Coristine LE, Jacob AL, Schuster R, Otto SP, Baron NE, Bennett NJ, Bittick SJ, Dey C, Favaro B, Ford A, Nowlan L, Orihel D, Palen WJ, Polfus JL, Shiffman DS, Venter O, Woodley S. Informing Canada’s commitment to biodiversity conservation: A science-based framework to help guide protected areas designation through Target 1 and beyond. Facets (Ott) 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2017-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet—and its people. Yet, increasingly, human activities are causing the extinction of species, degrading ecosystems, and reducing nature’s resilience to climate change and other threats. As a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Canada has a legal responsibility to protect 17% of land and freshwater by 2020. Currently, Canada has protected ∼10% of its terrestrial lands, requiring a marked increase in the pace and focus of protection over the next three years. Given the distribution, extent, and geography of Canada’s current protected areas, systematic conservation planning would provide decision-makers with a ranking of the potential for new protected area sites to stem biodiversity loss and preserve functioning ecosystems. Here, we identify five key principles for identifying lands that are likely to make the greatest contribution to reversing biodiversity declines and ensuring biodiversity persistence into the future. We identify current gaps and integrate principles of protecting ( i) species at risk, ( ii) representative ecosystems, ( iii) intact wilderness, ( iv) connectivity, and ( v) climate refugia. This spatially explicit assessment is intended as an ecological foundation that, when integrated with social, economic and governance considerations, would support evidence-based protected area decision-making in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Coristine
- Department of Biology, The University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Aerin L. Jacob
- Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, 200-1350 Railway Ave., Canmore, AB T1W 1P6, Canada
| | - Richard Schuster
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
- Natural Resource and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Sarah P. Otto
- Biodiversity Research Centre & Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Nancy E. Baron
- COMPASS, National Center of Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, 735 State St. Santa Barbara, CA 93103, USA
| | - Nathan J. Bennett
- Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sarah Joy Bittick
- Biodiversity Research Centre & Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cody Dey
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Drive, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Brett Favaro
- School of Fisheries, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland, 155 Ridge Road, St. John’s, NL A1C 5R3, Canada
| | - Adam Ford
- Department of Biology, The University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Linda Nowlan
- West Coast Environmental Law, 200-2006 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 2B3, Canada
| | - Diane Orihel
- School of Environmental Studies and Department of Biology, Queen’s University, 116 Barrie Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Wendy J. Palen
- Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Jean L. Polfus
- Biology Department, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - David S. Shiffman
- Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Oscar Venter
- Natural Resource and Environmental Studies Institute, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Stephen Woodley
- IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, 64 Chemin Juniper, Chelsea, QC J9B 1T3, Canada
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Neate-Clegg MHC, Jones SEI, Burdekin O, Jocque M, Şekercioğlu ÇH. Elevational changes in the avian community of a Mesoamerican cloud forest park. Biotropica 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Montague H. C. Neate-Clegg
- Department of Biology; University of Utah; 257 S 1400 E Salt Lake City UT 84112 USA
- Operation Wallacea Ltd.; Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke Spilsby Lincolnshire PE23 4EX UK
| | - Samuel E. I. Jones
- Operation Wallacea Ltd.; Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke Spilsby Lincolnshire PE23 4EX UK
- School of Biological Sciences; Royal Holloway; University of London; Egham Surrey TW20 0EX UK
| | - Oliver Burdekin
- Operation Wallacea Ltd.; Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke Spilsby Lincolnshire PE23 4EX UK
- burdGIS; Unit G37b; Market Walk Wakefield West Yorkshire WF1 1QR UK
| | - Merlijn Jocque
- Operation Wallacea Ltd.; Wallace House, Old Bolingbroke Spilsby Lincolnshire PE23 4EX UK
- Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology (ATECO); Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS); Vautierstraat 29 1000 Brussels Belgium
| | - Çağan Hakkı Şekercioğlu
- Department of Biology; University of Utah; 257 S 1400 E Salt Lake City UT 84112 USA
- Koç University; Rumelifeneri Istanbul Sarıyer Turkey
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120
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Yan Z, Teng M, He W, Wang Y, Yang J, Wang P. Improving conservation effectiveness of nature reserve for golden snub-nosed monkey, a niche-based approach. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:9315-9325. [PMID: 30377503 PMCID: PMC6194241 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Reserve selections are often opportunistic rather than strategic and coordinated, and consequently, many reserves are ineffective to achieve their intended goals of conservation. Here, we assessed the conservation effectiveness of a reserve for the golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) with a niche-based approach. We assessed habitat usage of the monkeys in Shennongjia Nature Reserve (SNR) and attributes of 14 environmental variables that could potentially affect the monkeys' habitat use. Spatial distribution of potentially suitable habitat for the monkeys was then modeled with Maxent, a niche-based model, and conservation effectiveness of SNR was assessed by comparing the current boundary of the reserve with the spatial distribution of the modeled potential habitat and the current habitat area of the monkeys. Only 59% of the habitat area and 61% of the predicted potential habitat area were under the protection of SNR. To improve conservation effectiveness of SNR, we proposed that the current SNR be enlarged by 270 km2. The enlarged reserve would encompass 100% of the existing habitat area plus 89% of the predicted potential habitat area. Using the niche-based approach, we were able to integrate habitat usage data of the target species with that of remote sensing to identify areas potentially suitable as habitat for the species. This information can be used not only for improving conservation effectiveness of existing reserves but also for the effective planning and designing of new reserves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaogui Yan
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Forestry InformationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Mingjun Teng
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Forestry InformationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Wei He
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Forestry InformationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yuan Wang
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Forestry InformationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jingyuan Yang
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Shennongjia Golden MonkeyShennongjia National Nature ReserveMoyuChina
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences/Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center for Forestry InformationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
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Vasconcelos R, Razgour O, Tarroso P, Fasola M, Carranza S, Alves PC. Combining molecular and landscape tools for targeting evolutionary processes in reserve design: An approach for islands. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200830. [PMID: 30040840 PMCID: PMC6057638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of targeting ecological and evolutionary processes in reserve design has been widely acknowledged in the literature but rarely implemented on islands. Using Socotran reptiles as models, we aim to relate richness of widespread and restricted-range species directly with landscape variables and to compare the impact of setting conservation targets for lineages versus species. Socotra Island is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, containing high levels of endemism in relation to its area, especially of reptiles, the vertebrates with the most comprehensive available genetic data. We predicted the occurrences of reptile species using distribution models and used a novel approach to interpolate maps of spatial phylogenetic patterns. Patterns of intra and interspecifc diversity and differences between spatial outputs of lineage and species richness were related to eco-geographic variables. We evaluated differences in target achievement for each conservation unit within protected areas (PAs) under the current Zoning Plan (ZP) using gap and reserve design analyses. Although intraspecific richness was strongly correlated with interspecific richness, differences in their spatial distribution reached ~30% in some areas. Differences were more pronounced for wide-ranging than restricted-range taxa. Gap analysis indicates that most conservation units are under-represented in sanctuaries and that intra and interspecific richness were significantly higher outside PAs. This work will guide local-scale conservation planning as the ZP is due to be re-evaluated. This is one of the few studies on islands using genetic data from an entire class of vertebrates to incorporate lineage diversity in reserve design. This study provides an alternative methodological framework for supporting the use of landscape and genetic tools in reserve design, circumventing the use of phylogenetic distances and deterministic spatial interpolation of lineage diversity that can be widely applied to other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Vasconcelos
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas- Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Orly Razgour
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Life Sciences Building, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Tarroso
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas- Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mauro Fasola
- Dipartimento Scienze della Terra e dell’Ambiente, Università degli studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Salvador Carranza
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas- Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paulo Célio Alves
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Universidade do Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia da Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Ramos YGC, Aximoff IA, Rosa CAD. Capybaras (Rodentia: Cavidae) in highlands: environmental variables related to distribution, and herbivory effects on a common plant species. J NAT HIST 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2018.1492749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gabriel Celli Ramos
- Laboratory of Mammal Ecology, Ecology Department, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Izar Araujo Aximoff
- Laboratory of Taxonomy, Ecology and Restoration, Research Department, Research Institute of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Poudyal M, Jones JPG, Rakotonarivo OS, Hockley N, Gibbons JM, Mandimbiniaina R, Rasoamanana A, Andrianantenaina NS, Ramamonjisoa BS. Who bears the cost of forest conservation? PeerJ 2018; 6:e5106. [PMID: 30002962 PMCID: PMC6035863 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While the importance of conserving ecosystems for sustainable development is widely recognized, it is increasingly evident that despite delivering global benefits, conservation often comes at local cost. Protected areas funded by multilateral lenders have explicit commitments to ensure that those negatively affected are adequately compensated. We make the first comparison of the magnitude and distribution of the local costs of a protected area with the magnitude and distribution of the compensation provided under the World Bank social safeguard policies (Performance Standard 5). Methods In the Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor (a new protected area and REDD+ pilot project in eastern Madagascar), we used choice experiments to estimate local opportunity costs (n = 453) which we annualized using a range of conservative assumptions concerning discount rates. Detailed surveys covering farm inputs and outputs as well as off-farm income (n = 102) allowed us to explore these opportunity costs as a proportion of local incomes. Intensive review of publically available documents provided estimates of the number of households that received safeguard compensation and the amount spent per household. We carried out a contingent valuation exercise with beneficiaries of this compensation two years after the micro-development projects were implemented (n = 62) to estimate their value as perceived by beneficiaries. Results Conservation restrictions result in very significant costs to forest communities. The median net present value of the opportunity cost across households in all sites was US$2,375. When annualized, these costs represent 27–84% of total annual income for median-income households; significantly higher proportionally for poorer households. Although some households have received compensation, we conservatively estimate that more than 50% of eligible households (3,020 households) have not. Given the magnitude of compensation (based both on amount spent and valuation by recipients two years after the compensation was distributed) relative to costs, we argue that no one was fully compensated. Achieving full compensation will require an order of magnitude more than was spent but we suggest that this should be affordable given the global value of forest conservation. Discussion By analyzing in unprecedented depth both the local costs of conservation, and the compensation distributed under donor policies, we demonstrate that despite well-intentioned policies, some of the poorest people on the planet are still bearing the cost of forest conservation. Unless significant extra funding is provided by the global beneficiaries of conservation, donors’ social safeguarding requirements will not be met, and forest conservation in developing countries will jeopardize, rather than contribute to, sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Poudyal
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Julia P G Jones
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | | | - Neal Hockley
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - James M Gibbons
- School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Rina Mandimbiniaina
- Département des Eaux et Forêts, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Alexandra Rasoamanana
- Département des Eaux et Forêts, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Nilsen S Andrianantenaina
- Département des Eaux et Forêts, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Bruno S Ramamonjisoa
- Département des Eaux et Forêts, Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d'Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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Liang J, He X, Zeng G, Zhong M, Gao X, Li X, Li X, Wu H, Feng C, Xing W, Fang Y, Mo D. Integrating priority areas and ecological corridors into national network for conservation planning in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 626:22-29. [PMID: 29331835 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Considering that urban expansion and increase of human activities represent important threats to biodiversity and ecological processes in short and long term, developing protected area (PA) network with high connectivity is considered as a valuable conservation strategy. However, conservation planning associated with the large-scale network in China involves important information loopholes about the land cover and landscape connectivity. In this paper, we made an integrative analysis for the identification of conservation priority areas and least-cost ecological corridors (ECs) in order to promote a more representative, connected and efficient ecological PA network for this country. First, we used Zonation, a spatial prioritization software, to achieve a hierarchical mask and selected the top priority conservation areas. Second, we identified optimal linkages between two patches as corridors based on least-cost path algorithm. Finally, we proposed a new framework of China's PA network composed of conservation priority and ECs in consideration of high connectivity between areas. We observed that priority areas identified here cover 12.9% of the region, distributed mainly in mountainous and plateau areas, and only reflect a spatial mismatch of 19% with the current China's nature reserves locations. From the perspective of conservation, our result provide the need to consider new PA categories, specially located in the south (e.g., the middle-lower Yangtze River area, Nanling and Min-Zhe-Gan Mountains) and north regions (e.g., Changbai Mountains), in order to construct an optimal and connected national network in China. This information allows us better opportunities to identify the relative high-quality patches and draft the best conservation plan for the China's biodiversity in the long-term run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Xinyue He
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China.
| | - Minzhou Zhong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiang Gao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Haipeng Wu
- Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute, Wuhan 430010, PR China
| | - Chunting Feng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Wenle Xing
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Yilong Fang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
| | - Dan Mo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha 410082, PR China
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Shrestha S, Shrestha UB, Bawa K. Socio-economic factors and management regimes as drivers of tree cover change in Nepal. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4855. [PMID: 29868270 PMCID: PMC5983000 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the local and global importance of forests, deforestation is driven by various socio-economic and biophysical factors continues in many countries. In Nepal, in response to massive deforestation, the community forestry program has been implemented to reduce deforestation and support livelihoods. After four decades of its inception, the effectiveness of this program on forest cover change remains mostly unknown. This study analyses the spatial and temporal patterns of tree cover change along with a few socio-economic drivers of tree cover change to examine the effectiveness of the community forestry program for conserving forests or in reducing deforestation. We also investigate the socio-economic factors and policy responses as manifested through the community forestry program responsible for the tree cover change at the district level. The total tree cover area in the year 2000 in Nepal was ∼4,746,000 hectares, and our analysis reveals that between 2001 and 2016, Nepal has lost ∼46,000 ha and gained ∼12,200 ha of areas covered by trees with a substantial spatial and temporal variations. After accounting socio-economic drivers of forest cover change, our analysis showed that districts with the larger number of community forests had a minimum loss in tree cover, while districts with the higher proportion of vegetation covered by community forests had a maximum gain in tree cover. This indicates a positive contribution of the community forestry program to reducing deforestation and increasing tree cover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujata Shrestha
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Uttam B. Shrestha
- Institute for Agriculture and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia
| | - Kamal Bawa
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, India
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127
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Uniqueness of Protected Areas for Conservation Strategies in the European Union. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6445. [PMID: 29691423 PMCID: PMC5915414 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24390-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) constitute major tools in nature conservation. In the European Union (EU), the Birds and Habitats Directives are the most important policies for conservation strategy, legally preserving Europe’s characteristic, rare, endemic and threatened biota. We used occurrence data for species listed in the directives’ Annexes to assess the uniqueness of major PAs in the EU (National Parks, Biosphere Reserves); this is important for preserving the EU’s focal species. We developed a novel, multifunctional approach to calculate different metrics of conservation value that represent different components of species diversity within the PAs, involving inventory diversity, deviation from the species–area relationship, species rarity and differentiation diversity. Applying it, we found that individual PAs frequently vary considerably in their scores on different components, which are often disconnected from PA size. PAs around the EU periphery, often containing few species, are key to conserving species that are rare in the EU. Because our analysis focuses on EU priority species and includes different components of diversity, it allows more appropriate estimation of conservation value inside PAs in context of the EU than recent, high-profile, global-level research. We offer tools to evaluate, and information to regulate, the representativeness, persistence and efficiency of PAs.
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128
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Brauneder KM, Montes C, Blyth S, Bennun L, Butchart SHM, Hoffmann M, Burgess ND, Cuttelod A, Jones MI, Kapos V, Pilgrim J, Tolley MJ, Underwood EC, Weatherdon LV, Brooks SE. Global screening for Critical Habitat in the terrestrial realm. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193102. [PMID: 29565977 PMCID: PMC5863962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Critical Habitat has become an increasingly important concept used by the finance sector and businesses to identify areas of high biodiversity value. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) defines Critical Habitat in their highly influential Performance Standard 6 (PS6), requiring projects in Critical Habitat to achieve a net gain of biodiversity. Here we present a global screening layer of Critical Habitat in the terrestrial realm, derived from global spatial datasets covering the distributions of 12 biodiversity features aligned with guidance provided by the IFC. Each biodiversity feature is categorised as ‘likely’ or ‘potential’ Critical Habitat based on: 1. Alignment between the biodiversity feature and the IFC Critical Habitat definition; and 2. Suitability of the spatial resolution for indicating a feature’s presence on the ground. Following the initial screening process, Critical Habitat must then be assessed in-situ by a qualified assessor. This analysis indicates that a total of 10% and 5% of the global terrestrial environment can be considered as likely and potential Critical Habitat, respectively, while the remaining 85% did not overlap with any of the biodiversity features assessed and was classified as ‘unknown’. Likely Critical Habitat was determined principally by the occurrence of Key Biodiversity Areas and Protected Areas. Potential Critical Habitat was predominantly characterised by data representing highly threatened and unique ecosystems such as ever-wet tropical forests and tropical dry forests. The areas we identified as likely or potential Critical Habitat are based on the best available global-scale data for the terrestrial realm that is aligned with IFC’s Critical Habitat definition. Our results can help businesses screen potential development sites at the early project stage based on a range of biodiversity features. However, the study also demonstrates several important data gaps and highlights the need to incorporate new and improved global spatial datasets as they become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin M Brauneder
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe Montes
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Blyth
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Leon Bennun
- The Biodiversity Consultancy, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart H M Butchart
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,BirdLife International, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- Conservation Programmes, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil D Burgess
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Annabelle Cuttelod
- IUCN Global Species Programme, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matt I Jones
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Val Kapos
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John Pilgrim
- The Biodiversity Consultancy, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa J Tolley
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emma C Underwood
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Lauren V Weatherdon
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon E Brooks
- UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Monti F, Duriez O, Dominici JM, Sforzi A, Robert A, Fusani L, Grémillet D. The price of success: integrative long-term study reveals ecotourism impacts on a flagship species at a UNESCO site. Anim Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- F. Monti
- CEFE; UMR 5175; CNRS; Université de Montpellier; Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier; EPHE; Montpellier Cedex 5 France
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
- Department of Physical Sciences; Earth and Environment; University of Siena; Siena Italy
| | - O. Duriez
- CEFE; UMR 5175; CNRS; Université de Montpellier; Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier; EPHE; Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - J.-M. Dominici
- Réserve Naturelle Scandola; Parc Naturel Régional de Corse; Galeria France
| | - A. Sforzi
- Maremma Natural History Museum; Grosseto Italy
| | - A. Robert
- CEFE; UMR 5175; CNRS; Université de Montpellier; Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier; EPHE; Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - L. Fusani
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
- Department of Cognitive Biology; University of Vienna; and Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology; University of Veterinary Medicine; Vienna Austria
| | - D. Grémillet
- CEFE; UMR 5175; CNRS; Université de Montpellier; Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier; EPHE; Montpellier Cedex 5 France
- FitzPatrick Institute; DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the University of Cape Town; Rondebosch South Africa
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130
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Petit IJ, Campoy AN, Hevia MJ, Gaymer CF, Squeo FA. Protected areas in Chile: are we managing them? REVISTA CHILENA DE HISTORIA NATURAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40693-018-0071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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131
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Buxton RT, McKenna MF, Mennitt D, Fristrup K, Crooks K, Angeloni L, Wittemyer G. Noise pollution is pervasive in U.S. protected areas. Science 2018; 356:531-533. [PMID: 28473587 DOI: 10.1126/science.aah4783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise threatens ecological systems, including the cultural and biodiversity resources in protected areas. Using continental-scale sound models, we found that anthropogenic noise doubled background sound levels in 63% of U.S. protected area units and caused a 10-fold or greater increase in 21%, surpassing levels known to interfere with human visitor experience and disrupt wildlife behavior, fitness, and community composition. Elevated noise was also found in critical habitats of endangered species, with 14% experiencing a 10-fold increase in sound levels. However, protected areas with more stringent regulations had less anthropogenic noise. Our analysis indicates that noise pollution in protected areas is closely linked with transportation, development, and extractive land use, providing insight into where mitigation efforts can be most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel T Buxton
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474, USA.
| | - Megan F McKenna
- Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA
| | - Daniel Mennitt
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80525-1373, USA
| | - Kurt Fristrup
- Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525, USA
| | - Kevin Crooks
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474, USA
| | - Lisa Angeloni
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1878, USA
| | - George Wittemyer
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474, USA
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Cruz J, Windels SK, Thogmartin WE, Crimmins SM, Grim LH, Zuckerberg B. Managing individual nests promotes population recovery of a top predator. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennyffer Cruz
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin – Madison Madison WI USA
| | | | - Wayne E. Thogmartin
- U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center La Crosse WI USA
| | - Shawn M. Crimmins
- College of Natural Resources University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point Stevens Point WI USA
| | | | - Benjamin Zuckerberg
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin – Madison Madison WI USA
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133
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Vogel JT, Somers MJ, Venter JA. The foraging ecology of reintroduced African wild dog in small protected areas. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John T. Vogel
- J. T. Vogel and J. A. Venter , School of Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, George Campus, Nelson Mandela Univ., South Africa
| | - Michael J. Somers
- M. J. Somers, Centre for Wildlife Management, Mammal Research Inst., Centre for Invasion Biology, Univ. of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jan A. Venter
- J. T. Vogel and J. A. Venter , School of Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, George Campus, Nelson Mandela Univ., South Africa
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Freitas I, Fahd S, Velo-Antón G, Martínez-Freiría F. Chasing the phantom: biogeography and conservation of Vipera latastei-monticola in the Maghreb (North Africa). AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/15685381-17000197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The Maghreb region (North Africa) constitutes a major component of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity hotspot. During the last centuries, a consistent human population growth has led to an unprecedented rate of habitat transformation and loss in the region and thus, threatening its biodiversity. The Western Mediterranean viper Vipera latastei-monticola inhabits humid and subhumid areas in the main mountain ranges of the Maghreb, facing such threatening factors; however, its elusive character and rarity hindered data collection for distinct biological purposes. Here, we study the biogeographical patterns and conservation status of the Maghrebian V. latastei-monticola resulting from recent sampling campaigns in Morocco and Tunisia. We update species distribution, and integrate phylogeographic and ecological niche modelling analyses at both species and lineage level to identify suitable areas, and to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic transformation and level of protection of their suitable space. We identified four highly divergent mitochondrial lineages, including a new lineage endemic to the Western High Atlas, with allopatric distributions and restricted to mountain ranges, supporting the role of mountains as past climatic refugia. Despite the remoteness of suitable areas, we report widespread habitat degradation and identify the low effectiveness of the current protected areas system in preserving the species and lineages range. Our study shows the urgent need to apply management actions for the long-term conservation of this vulnerable species and suggests a revaluation of the specific status of V. monticola, as these populations likely represent an ecotype of V. latastei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Freitas
- 1CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto. Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão. R. Padre Armando Quintas 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Soumia Fahd
- 2Equipe de Recherche Ecologie, Systématique, Conservation de la Biodiversité, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences de Tétouan, Université Abdelmalek Essaâdi, Morocco
| | - Guillermo Velo-Antón
- 1CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto. Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão. R. Padre Armando Quintas 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Fernando Martínez-Freiría
- 1CIBIO/InBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos da Universidade do Porto. Instituto de Ciências Agrárias de Vairão. R. Padre Armando Quintas 7, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
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135
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Factoring economic costs into conservation planning may not improve agreement over priorities for protection. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2253. [PMID: 29269829 PMCID: PMC5740120 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02399-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation organizations must redouble efforts to protect habitat given continuing biodiversity declines. Prioritization of future areas for protection is hampered by disagreements over what the ecological targets of conservation should be. Here we test the claim that such disagreements will become less important as conservation moves away from prioritizing areas for protection based only on ecological considerations and accounts for varying costs of protection using return-on-investment (ROI) methods. We combine a simulation approach with a case study of forests in the eastern United States, paying particular attention to how covariation between ecological benefits and economic costs influences agreement levels. For many conservation goals, agreement over spatial priorities improves with ROI methods. However, we also show that a reliance on ROI-based prioritization can sometimes exacerbate disagreements over priorities. As such, accounting for costs in conservation planning does not enable society to sidestep careful consideration of the ecological goals of conservation. Prioritising areas for conservation is hindered by disagreements over ecological targets. Here, Armsworth et al. combine a simulation approach and case study to test if considering economic return on investment aids in prioritisation, and find that its impact on reaching agreements varies greatly.
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136
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Shanee S, Shanee N, Monteferri B, Allgas N, Alarcon Pardo A, Horwich RH. Protected area coverage of threatened vertebrates and ecoregions in Peru: Comparison of communal, private and state reserves. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 202:12-20. [PMID: 28715677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Protected areas (PAs) are a conservation mainstay and arguably the most effective conservation strategy for species protection. As a 'megadiverse' country, Peru is a priority for conservation actions. Peruvian legislation allows for the creation of state PAs and private/communal PAs. Using publicly available species distribution and protected area data sets we evaluated the coverage of Threatened terrestrial vertebrate species distributions and ecoregions provided by both kinds of PA in Peru. Peru's state PA system covers 217,879 km2 and private/communal PAs cover 16,588 km2. Of the 462 species of Threatened and Data Deficient species we evaluated, 75% had distributions that overlapped with at least one PA but only 53% had ≥10% of their distributions within PAs, with inclusion much reduced at higher coverage targets. Of the species we evaluated, 118 species are only found in national PAs and 29 species only found in private/communal PAs. Of the 17 terrestrial ecoregions found in Peru all are represented in PAs; the national PA system included coverage of 16 and private/communal PAs protect 13. One ecoregion is only protected in private/communal PAs, whereas four are only covered in national PAs. Our results show the important role private/communal PAs can play in the protection of ecological diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Shanee
- Neotropical Primate Conservation, Manchester, UK; Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, Lima, Peru; Nocturnal Primate Research Group, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.
| | - Noga Shanee
- Neotropical Primate Conservation, Manchester, UK; Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, Lima, Peru
| | - Bruno Monteferri
- Conservamos por Naturaleza, Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental, Lima, Peru
| | - Nestor Allgas
- Asociación Neotropical Primate Conservation Perú, Lima, Peru
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137
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Noce S, Collalti A, Santini M. Likelihood of changes in forest species suitability, distribution, and diversity under future climate: The case of Southern Europe. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:9358-9375. [PMID: 29187974 PMCID: PMC5696419 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Forest conservation strategies and plans can be unsuccessful if the new habitat conditions determined by climate change are not considered. Our work aims at investigating the likelihood of future suitability, distribution and diversity for some common European forest species under the projected changes in climate, focusing on Southern Europe. We combine an Ensemble Platform for Species Distribution Models (SDMs) to five Global Circulation Models (GCMs) driven by two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), to produce maps of future climate-driven habitat suitability for ten categories of forest species and two time horizons. For each forest category and time horizon, ten maps of future distribution (5 GCMs by 2 RCPs) are thus combined in a single suitability map supplied with information about the "likelihood" adopting the IPCC terminology based on consensus among projections. Then, the statistical significance of spatially aggregated changes in forest composition at local and regional level is analyzed. Finally, we discuss the importance, among SDMs, that environmental predictors seem to have in influencing forest distribution. Future impacts of climate change appear to be diversified across forest categories. A strong change in forest regional distribution and local diversity is projected to take place, as some forest categories will find more suitable conditions in previously unsuitable locations, while for other categories the same new conditions will become less suited. A decrease in species diversity is projected in most of the area, with Alpine region showing the potentiality to become a refuge for species migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Noce
- Foundation Euro‐Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) – Impacts on Agriculture, Forests and Ecosystem Services (IAFES) DivisionViterboItaly
- Department for Innovation in Biological, Agro‐food and Forest systems (DIBAF)University of TusciaViterboItaly
| | - Alessio Collalti
- Foundation Euro‐Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) – Impacts on Agriculture, Forests and Ecosystem Services (IAFES) DivisionViterboItaly
- CNR‐ISAFOM – National Research Council of ItalyInstitute for Agriculture and Forestry Systems in the MediterraneanRendeItaly
| | - Monia Santini
- Foundation Euro‐Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) – Impacts on Agriculture, Forests and Ecosystem Services (IAFES) DivisionViterboItaly
- Far East Federal University (FEFU)VladivostokRussia
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Menegon M, Cantaloni C, Rodriguez-Prieto A, Centomo C, Abdelfattah A, Rossato M, Bernardi M, Xumerle L, Loader S, Delledonne M. On site DNA barcoding by nanopore sequencing. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184741. [PMID: 28977016 PMCID: PMC5627904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity research is becoming increasingly dependent on genomics, which allows the unprecedented digitization and understanding of the planet's biological heritage. The use of genetic markers i.e. DNA barcoding, has proved to be a powerful tool in species identification. However, full exploitation of this approach is hampered by the high sequencing costs and the absence of equipped facilities in biodiversity-rich countries. In the present work, we developed a portable sequencing laboratory based on the portable DNA sequencer from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, the MinION. Complementary laboratory equipment and reagents were selected to be used in remote and tough environmental conditions. The performance of the MinION sequencer and the portable laboratory was tested for DNA barcoding in a mimicking tropical environment, as well as in a remote rainforest of Tanzania lacking electricity. Despite the relatively high sequencing error-rate of the MinION, the development of a suitable pipeline for data analysis allowed the accurate identification of different species of vertebrates including amphibians, reptiles and mammals. In situ sequencing of a wild frog allowed us to rapidly identify the species captured, thus confirming that effective DNA barcoding in the field is possible. These results open new perspectives for real-time-on-site DNA sequencing thus potentially increasing opportunities for the understanding of biodiversity in areas lacking conventional laboratory facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Menegon
- Tropical Biodiversity section, Science Museum of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Chiara Cantaloni
- Personal Genomics s.r.l., Verona, Italy
- Functional Genomics Center, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Cesare Centomo
- Functional Genomics Center, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Marzia Rossato
- Functional Genomics Center, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Bernardi
- Tropical Biodiversity section, Science Museum of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Luciano Xumerle
- Personal Genomics s.r.l., Verona, Italy
- Functional Genomics Center, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simon Loader
- Biogeography Research group, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Delledonne
- Personal Genomics s.r.l., Verona, Italy
- Functional Genomics Center, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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139
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Toral-Granda MV, Causton CE, Jäger H, Trueman M, Izurieta JC, Araujo E, Cruz M, Zander KK, Izurieta A, Garnett ST. Alien species pathways to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184379. [PMID: 28902860 PMCID: PMC5597199 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Alien species, one of the biggest threats to natural ecosystems worldwide, are of particular concern for oceanic archipelagos such as Galápagos. To enable more effective management of alien species, we reviewed, collated and analysed all available records of alien species for Galápagos. We also assembled a comprehensive dataset on pathways to and among the Galápagos Islands, including tourist and resident numbers, tourist vessels, their itineraries and visitation sites, aircraft capacity and occupancy, air and sea cargo and biosecurity interceptions. So far, 1,579 alien terrestrial and marine species have been introduced to Galápagos by humans. Of these, 1,476 have become established. Almost half of these were intentional introductions, mostly of plants. Most unintentional introductions arrived on plants and plant associated material, followed by transport vehicles, and commodities (in particular fruit and vegetables). The number, frequency and geographic origin of pathways for the arrival and dispersal of alien species to and within Galápagos have increased over time, tracking closely the increase in human population (residents and tourists) on the islands. Intentional introductions of alien species should decline as biosecurity is strengthened but there is a danger that unintentional introductions will increase further as tourism on Galápagos expands. This unique world heritage site will only retain its biodiversity values if the pathways for invasion are managed effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Verónica Toral-Granda
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Heinke Jäger
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Mandy Trueman
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Juan Carlos Izurieta
- Ministerio de Turismo del Ecuador-Observatorio de Turismo de Galápagos, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Eddy Araujo
- Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Marilyn Cruz
- Agencia de Bioseguridad de Galápagos, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Kerstin K. Zander
- Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Arturo Izurieta
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
- Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Stephen T. Garnett
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
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140
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Carmo JAMD, Simões AO. Rubiaceae no Município de Camanducaia, Serra da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais: sinópse e chave interativa. RODRIGUÉSIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/2175-7860201768421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivos realizar o levantamento florístico da família no município de Camanducaia, Serra da Mantiqueira, extremo sul de Minas Gerais, onde extensos remanescentes de Mata Atlântica são encontrados, e elaborar uma Chave Interativa de Entradas Múltiplas (CIEM) para a identificação das espécies. O levantamento florístico foi realizado através de viagens de coleta e análise dos seguintes herbários: BHCB, ESA, HRCB, IAC, ICN, MBM, SP e UEC. Rubiaceae está representada em Camanducaia por 35 espécies, duas subespécies e duas variedades, classificadas em 17 gêneros. Borreria, Manettia e Psychotria foram os gêneros mais diversos (cinco espécies cada). Nove espécies, uma subespécie e uma variedade são endêmicas da Mata Atlântica. Duas espécies (Galianthe vaginata e Psychotria beyrichiana) são endêmicas da Serra da Mantiqueira e Serra do Mar. Psychotria beyrichiana é registrada pela primeira vez em Minas Gerais. Através da utilização da CIEM aqui proposta, a maioria dos táxons puderam ser identificados utilizando-se somente caracteres vegetativos.
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141
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Rocha Usuga AA, Vargas-Salinas F, Rueda Solano LA. Not every drought is bad: quantifying reproductive effort in the harlequin frogAtelopus laetissimus(Anura: Bufonidae). J NAT HIST 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2017.1355075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andres A. Rocha Usuga
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Aplicada (GIBEA), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta D.T.C.H, Colombia
| | - Fernando Vargas-Salinas
- Grupo de Investigación en Evolución, Ecología y Conservación EECO, Universidad del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Luis Alberto Rueda Solano
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ecología Aplicada (GIBEA), Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta D.T.C.H, Colombia
- Grupo Biomics, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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142
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Blooi M, Laking AE, Martel A, Haesebrouck F, Jocque M, Brown T, Green S, Vences M, Bletz MC, Pasmans F. Host niche may determine disease-driven extinction risk. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181051. [PMID: 28704480 PMCID: PMC5509289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) drives declines and extinctions in amphibian communities. However, not all regions and species are equally affected. Here, we show that association with amphibian aquatic habitat types (bromeliad phytotelmata versus stream) across Central America results in the odds of being threatened by Bd being five times higher in stream microhabitats. This differential threat of Bd was supported in our study by a significantly lower prevalence of Bd in bromeliad-associated amphibian species compared to riparian species in Honduran cloud forests. Evidence that the bromeliad environment is less favorable for Bd transmission is exemplified by significantly less suitable physicochemical conditions and higher abundance of Bd-ingesting micro-eukaryotes present in bromeliad water. These factors may inhibit aquatic Bd zoospore survival and the development of an environmental reservoir of the pathogen. Bromeliad phytotelmata thus may act as environmental refuges from Bd, which contribute to protecting associated amphibian communities against chytridiomycosis-driven amphibian declines that threaten the nearby riparian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Blooi
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Alexandra E. Laking
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Operation Wallacea, Hope House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
| | - An Martel
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Freddy Haesebrouck
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Merlijn Jocque
- Operation Wallacea, Hope House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, California, United States of America
| | - Tom Brown
- Operation Wallacea, Hope House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Green
- Operation Wallacea, Hope House, Old Bolingbroke, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
- Centre for Applied Zoology, Cornwall College Newquay, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Vences
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Molly C. Bletz
- Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Frank Pasmans
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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143
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Global priorities for conservation across multiple dimensions of mammalian diversity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:7641-7646. [PMID: 28674013 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1706461114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Conservation priorities that are based on species distribution, endemism, and vulnerability may underrepresent biologically unique species as well as their functional roles and evolutionary histories. To ensure that priorities are biologically comprehensive, multiple dimensions of diversity must be considered. Further, understanding how the different dimensions relate to one another spatially is important for conservation prioritization, but the relationship remains poorly understood. Here, we use spatial conservation planning to (i) identify and compare priority regions for global mammal conservation across three key dimensions of biodiversity-taxonomic, phylogenetic, and traits-and (ii) determine the overlap of these regions with the locations of threatened species and existing protected areas. We show that priority areas for mammal conservation exhibit low overlap across the three dimensions, highlighting the need for an integrative approach for biodiversity conservation. Additionally, currently protected areas poorly represent the three dimensions of mammalian biodiversity. We identify areas of high conservation priority among and across the dimensions that should receive special attention for expanding the global protected area network. These high-priority areas, combined with areas of high priority for other taxonomic groups and with social, economic, and political considerations, provide a biological foundation for future conservation planning efforts.
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144
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Nieto C, Ovando XM, Loyola R, Izquierdo A, Romero F, Molineri C, Rodríguez J, Rueda Martín P, Fernández H, Manzo V, Miranda MJ. The role of macroinvertebrates for conservation of freshwater systems. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:5502-5513. [PMID: 28770086 PMCID: PMC5528230 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems are the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. Argentinian-protected areas have been established mainly to protect vertebrates and plants in terrestrial ecosystems. In order to create a comprehensive biodiverse conservation plan, it is crucial to integrate both aquatic and terrestrial systems and to include macroinvertebrates. Here, we address this topic by proposing priority areas of conservation including invertebrates, aquatic ecosystems, and their connectivity and land uses. LOCATION Northwest of Argentina. We modeled the ecological niches of different taxa of macroinvertebrates such as Coleoptera, Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, Megaloptera, Lepidoptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Acari, and Mollusca. Based on these models, we analyzed the contribution of currently established protected areas in the conservation of the aquatic biodiversity and we propose a spatial prioritization taking into account possible conflict regarding different land uses. Our analysis units were the real watersheds, to which were added longitudinal connectivity up and down the rivers. A total of 132 species were modeled in the priority area analyses. The analysis 1 showed that only an insignificant percentage of the macroinvertebrates distribution is within the protected areas in the North West of Argentina. The analyses 2 and 3 recovered similar values of protection for the macroinvertebrate species. The upper part of Bermejo, Salí-Dulce, San Francisco, and the Upper part of Juramento basins were identified as priority areas of conservation. The aquatic ecosystems need special protection and 10% or even as much as 17% of land conservation is insufficient for species of macroinvertebrates. In turn the protected areas need to combine the aquatic and terrestrial systems and need to include macroinvertebrates as a key group to sustain the biodiversity. In many cases, the land uses are in conflict with the conservation of biodiversity; however, it is possible to apply the connectivity of the watersheds and create multiple-use modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nieto
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)CONICET‐UNTSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e I.M.L.San Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
| | - Ximena M.C. Ovando
- Laboratório de Malacologia Límnica e TerrestreDepartamento de ZoologiaInstituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara GomesUniversidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), MaracanãRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Rafael Loyola
- Laboratório de Biogeografia da ConservaçãoDepartamento de EcologiaUniversidade Federal de GoiásGoiâniaGoiásBrazil
| | - Andrea Izquierdo
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e I.M.L.San Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
- Instituto de Ecología Regional (IER)CONICET‐UNTYerba BuenaTucumánArgentina
| | - Fátima Romero
- Fundación Miguel LilloSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
| | - Carlos Molineri
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)CONICET‐UNTSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
| | - José Rodríguez
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)CONICET‐UNTSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
| | - Paola Rueda Martín
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)CONICET‐UNTSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
| | - Hugo Fernández
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)CONICET‐UNTSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e I.M.L.San Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
| | - Verónica Manzo
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)CONICET‐UNTSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e I.M.L.San Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
| | - María José Miranda
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)CONICET‐UNTSan Miguel de TucumánTucumánArgentina
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Lobato E, Doutrelant C, Melo M, Reis S, Covas R. Insularity effects on bird immune parameters: A comparison between island and mainland populations in West Africa. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:3645-3656. [PMID: 28616162 PMCID: PMC5468148 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oceanic islands share several environmental characteristics that have been shown to drive convergent evolutionary changes in island organisms. One change that is often assumed but has seldom been examined is the evolution of weaker immune systems in island species. The reduction in species richness on islands is expected to lead to a reduced parasite pressure and, given that immune function is costly, island animals should show a reduced immune response. However, alternative hypotheses exist; for example, the slower pace of life on islands could favor the reorganization of the immune system components (innate vs. acquired immunity) on islands. Thus far, few island species have been studied and no general patterns have emerged. Here, we compared two immune parameters of birds from São Tomé and Príncipe islands to those of their close relatives at similar latitudes on the mainland (Gabon, West Africa). On islands, the acquired humoral component (total immunoglobulins) was lower for most species, whereas no clear pattern was detected for the innate component (haptoglobin levels). These different responses did not seem to arise from a reorganization of the two immune components, as both total immunoglobulins and haptoglobin levels were positively associated. This work adds to the few empirical studies conducted so far which suggest that changes in immune parameters in response to insularity are not as straightforward as initially thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Lobato
- CIBIO/InBio Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal.,CEFE Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive CNRS UMR 5175 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Claire Doutrelant
- CEFE Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive CNRS UMR 5175 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Martim Melo
- CIBIO/InBio Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal.,Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology DST-NRF Center of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa
| | - Sandra Reis
- CIBIO/InBio Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal
| | - Rita Covas
- CIBIO/InBio Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos Universidade do Porto Vairão Portugal.,Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology DST-NRF Center of Excellence University of Cape Town Rondebosch South Africa.,Departamento de Biologia Faculdade de Ciências Universidade do Porto Porto Portugal
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146
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Gómez C, Bayly NJ, Norris DR, Mackenzie SA, Rosenberg KV, Taylor PD, Hobson KA, Daniel Cadena C. Fuel loads acquired at a stopover site influence the pace of intercontinental migration in a boreal songbird. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3405. [PMID: 28611372 PMCID: PMC5469819 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03503-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-distance migratory organisms are under strong selection to migrate quickly. Stopovers demand more time than flying and are used by individuals to refuel during migration, but the effect of fuel loads (fat) acquired at stopover sites on the subsequent pace of migration has not been quantified. We studied stopover behaviour of Grey-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus) at a site in northern Colombia and then tracked their migration using an intercontinental radio-telemetry array. Tracking confirmed long-distance flights of more than 3000 km, highlighting the key importance of a single stopover site to the migration strategy of this species. Our results suggest that these songbirds behave as time-minimizers as predicted by optimal migration theory, and that fuel loads acquired at this South American stopover site, together with departure date, carry-over to influence the pace of migration, contributing to differences in travel time of up to 30 days in birds subsequently detected in the U. S. and Canada. Such variation in the pace of migration arising from a single stopover site, likely has important fitness consequences and suggests that identifying important fuelling sites will be essential to effectively conserve migratory species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Gómez
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia. .,SELVA: Investigación para la conservación en el Neotropico, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Nicholas J Bayly
- SELVA: Investigación para la conservación en el Neotropico, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - D Ryan Norris
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Philip D Taylor
- Bird Studies Canada, Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada.,Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Keith A Hobson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carlos Daniel Cadena
- Laboratorio de Biología Evolutiva de Vertebrados, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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147
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Wilfred P. A community perspective on participatory conservation in western Tanzania. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-017-1116-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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148
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González-Maya JF, Martínez-Meyer E, Medellín R, Ceballos G. Distribution of mammal functional diversity in the Neotropical realm: Influence of land-use and extinction risk. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175931. [PMID: 28441467 PMCID: PMC5404856 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional diversity represents a measure of diversity that incorporates the role of species in an ecosystem, and therefore its dynamics and resilience. Assessing its drivers and spatial variation represents an important step forward in our understanding of functional ecosystem dynamics and it is also necessary to achieve a comprehensive conservation planning. In this paper, we assessed mammal functional diversity for the 218 ecoregions within the Neotropical realm. We evaluated the overall influence and spatial variation of species richness, ecoregion extent, intervention and species at risk on functional diversity. Using ordinary least squares and geographically weighted regression modeling approaches, we found that intervened areas and threatened and non-threatened species are the most influential overall drivers of functional diversity. However, we also detected that these variables do not operate equally across scales. Our local analyses indicated both that the variation explained and local coefficients vary spatially depending on the ecoregion and major habitat type. As estimates of functional diversity are based on current distribution of all mammals, negative influence of intervened areas and positive influence of non-threatened species may reflect a potential degradation of functional processes for some ecosystems. Most generally, the negative influence of intervention together with the influence of threatened species indicates that some areas are currently more susceptible to functional diversity loss. Our results help to pinpoint key areas requiring urgent conservation action to reduce natural land-cover loss and areas where threatened species play influential roles on ecosystem functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- José F. González-Maya
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, Mexico
- Proyecto de Conservación de Aguas y Tierras, ProCAT Colombia, Carrera 13 # 96–82, Of. 205, Bogotá, Colombia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Rodrigo Medellín
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Ceballos
- Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México DF, Mexico
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149
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150
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The geography of hotspots of rarity-weighted richness of birds and their coverage by Natura 2000. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174179. [PMID: 28379991 PMCID: PMC5381779 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A major challenge for biogeographers and conservation planners is to identify where to best locate or distribute high-priority areas for conservation and to explore whether these areas are well represented by conservation actions such as protected areas (PAs). We aimed to identify high-priority areas for conservation, expressed as hotpots of rarity-weighted richness (HRR)–sites that efficiently represent species–for birds across EU countries, and to explore whether HRR are well represented by the Natura 2000 network. Natura 2000 is an evolving network of PAs that seeks to conserve biodiversity through the persistence of the most patrimonial species and habitats across Europe. This network includes Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), where the latter regulated the designation of Special Protected Areas (SPA). Distribution maps for 416 bird species and complementarity-based approaches were used to map geographical patterns of rarity-weighted richness (RWR) and HRR for birds. We used species accumulation index to evaluate whether RWR was efficient surrogates to identify HRRs for birds. The results of our analysis support the proposition that prioritizing sites in order of RWR is a reliable way to identify sites that efficiently represent birds. HRRs were concentrated in the Mediterranean Basin and alpine and boreal biogeographical regions of northern Europe. The cells with high RWR values did not correspond to cells where Natura 2000 was present. We suggest that patterns of RWR could become a focus for conservation biogeography. Our analysis demonstrates that identifying HRR is a robust approach for prioritizing management actions, and reveals the need for more conservation actions, especially on HRR.
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